A Contemporary Sanctuary at Steenberg Estate by Natalie Bulwer Interiors

At Steenberg Estate, Natalie Bulwer Interiors has created a serene and contemporary sanctuary defined by clean lines, natural textures, and intentional contrasts. A contemporary take on Cape Vernacular, this home has been thoughtfully curated with a refined sensitivity to space, material, and mood. Special emphasis has been placed in the bespoke bathrooms where style and function meet thanks to Victorian Bathrooms.

When reimagining the bathrooms, Natalie Bulwer Interiors responded to a bold and elegant brief: to incorporate traditionally styled fittings with a distinctly modern sensibility. The result is a series of refined spaces where classical forms are juxtaposed with sleek, contemporary lines—crafting a layered and compelling visual narrative.

Central to the bathrooms are oval counter-mounted basins—an essential element for the client—set against bespoke ceramic vanities that serve as both sculptural features and functional centrepieces. This desire to merge historical elegance with contemporary restraint informed every design decision.

A full remodel of the kitchen, living areas, and bathrooms, this project has been recognised as a finalist in the 2024 International Design Awards for Best Global Interior Design Scheme.

The Designer’s Approach – Setting the Tone

Rich, patterned ceramic vanities set the tone for each bathroom—vibrant and textured surfaces that immediately draw the eye. These bold pieces act as modern counterpoints to traditional fixtures such as classic basins and sanitary ware.

To create cohesion between old and new, warm wooden flooring extends from the living spaces into the bathrooms, softening transitions and enhancing flow throughout the home.

The result is a harmonious balance of modern minimalism and timeless elegance.

Material Integrity

Materiality played a pivotal role in expressing this vision. Crisp white subway tiles, a freestanding Chaise bath with Art Deco feet, and a traditional bath mixer on stand pipes ground the design in classic tradition. These elements are set against a calm, contemporary backdrop of wood and stone, enhancing the tactile quality of the space.

Jewel-toned artworks in the shared living areas find subtle echoes throughout, while the bathrooms are restrained—defined by muted stone and natural textures that speak softly but confidently.

Form Meets Function

Balancing form and function was a guiding principle for Natalie and her team. “One has to constantly prioritise the two until they work together,” she explains. Counter-mounted vanities were chosen not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their ability to offer smart, streamlined storage solutions.

It is the tension and harmony between elements—wood and porcelain, ceramic and stone, tradition and modernity—that ultimately brings this interior to life. The bathrooms are more than just utilitarian spaces; they are nuanced environments, where every design choice contributes to a larger story of thoughtful living.

Victorian Bathrooms is South Africa’s leading purveyor of classic bathroomware, where heritage design meets enduring craftsmanship. With a passion for timeless elegance, they transform everyday spaces into luxurious sanctuaries.

For more visit Victorian Bathrooms.
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